Owls | Strigidae

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In most species the female starts incubating as soon as the first egg is laid, so the chicks hatch days apart in sequence; in lean years it is mainly the oldest chicks that survive. The Burrowing Owl breaks from most of its relatives by nesting not in a tree cavity but underground, in tunnels dug by prairie dogs or badgers. In most species the ear tufts on the head serve not to improve hearing but to break up the body's outline, signalling mood to both rivals and potential mates. Ahead of mating, the male repeatedly brings the female prey as a gift, a habit that strengthens the pair bond and helps bring her into good condition for the breeding season.